Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. | www.JLNVB.org
About JLNVB Founded in 1925, the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. (JLNVB) is a charitable nonprofit organization of women civic leaders positively impacting South Hampton Roads. We are part of The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), which is made up of 292 Junior Leagues throughout Canada, Mexico, the UK, and the USA. Together, we constitute one of the largest, most effective volunteer organizations in the world.
JLNVB Mission The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. is an organization of women, committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
JLNVB Vision We are an organization of diverse women creating positive change in the lives of women and children in South Hampton Roads.
What We Do • • • •
Volunteer services, administer guidance, and supply financial support for our projects. Educate and train members through volunteer work for responsible community leadership. Participate in community programs through volunteer assistance and board representation. Reach out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. • Research changing community needs and expand services through projects to meet those needs. • Create positive change in the lives of children in South Hampton Roads.
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
P.O. Box 956 Norfolk, VA, 23501 www.jlnvb.org facebook.com/JLNVB Twitter: @JuniorLeagueNVB
www.JLNVB.org
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President’s Message What an incredible year! During these last 12 months, we have celebrated our strengths, especially the strength of team work. Collectively, we’ve given everything we can in terms of our time and talents to better the Hampton Roads community. We have spent long days and late nights working hard, creatively solving challenges and ultimately, celebrating victories together. That is the core of the Junior League. It is what drives us to succeed in the future: each woman giving what she can to this organization, supporting other members and helping those in need along the way. As the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. moves one year closer to its hundredth anniversary, we continue to be reminded that regardless of the community challenge, trained Junior League volunteers will collectively find a way to get the job done. The JLNVB thrives because women give their time and talents to a mission they believe in: developing the potential of women, promoting voluntarism and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In total, JLNVB volunteers dedicate over 7,000 hours annually to benefit the Hampton Roads community through placement, fundraising, training, and community initiatives. 2012-2013 was a banner year for our League in learning, living and sharing together. Nearly 400 members joined together (sustainer, active and provisional) to create success beyond expectations as we: • Worked over 1000 direct volunteer hours serving our various community partners. • Surpassed financial goals with our new Touch-a-Truck fundraiser, selling over 1500 tickets in its inaugural year. • Launched a Case for Support initiative. • Continued our formal planned giving program that will exceed budget. • Improved and expanded existing projects and services to better meet the needs of our community, including adding more recipients to the backpack program, providing school supplies to elementary school children in need; developing a larger scale educational event for the Kids in the Kitchen program, a program that aims to reduce childhood obesity; and expanding our Little Hands, Big Difference program, designed to educate children on the hunger epidemic in Hampton Roads and allowing a hands-on experience of voluntarism for the children of our members and the community at large. • Expanded our training offerings to include a formalized program that taught JLNVB volunteers about the competencies necessary for effective nonprofit board leadership and expanding our participation with AJLI webinar training. • Revitalized the monthly TIDEings newsletter and developed a weekly email to
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
disperse information in a streamlined, organized fashion. • Strengthened our membership morale through various affinity groups and Esprit events. For over 88 years, the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. has played a vital role in shaping our community through our mission. The JLNVB provides its almost 400 volunteers with many opportunities to enhance their professional and personal skills while working together to make a positive impact on their communities through service. These skills developed by women, combined with their personal commitment and talents, continue to make a difference throughout the community. Our members apply the skills they’ve learned in the League to leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and businesses throughout the region. Just look around; many of the great women leaders in Hampton Roads can be traced to the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach! While writing this article, it forced me to truly absorb and understand all that we have accomplished. I’m proud of the achievements made by our organization during the 2012-2013 year and know JLNVB is positioned to continue to thrive under the leadership of the 2013-2014 Board of Directors. It is such an honor to grow and develop with our membership this year and to be a part of our 88-year legacy. Thank you to all of our sponsors, community partners, and members who invested in our organization and allowed us to further our reach into the community. You all have made this an experience I will cherish for my lifetime! Best,
Melissa Steadman 2012-2013 President Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
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2012-2013 JLNVB Board of Directors
Melissa Steadman Laura Bangor Julie Stroh Nicole Parnell Maura Boswell Aisha Evans Katie Cullipher Shannon Wright Jessica Martyn Ruth Elkins Brooks Lively Jennifer Swets Najwa Knox Jamie Stump Kristen O’Connor
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President President-Elect Treasurer Treasurer-Elect Administrative Vice President Community Vice President Communications Vice President Fund Development Vice President Membership Vice President At-Large Director Leadership Initiatives Director Membership Initiatives Director Nominating Chair Parliamentarian Ways and Means Director
Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Treasurer’s Report With input from Committee Chairs and Council Vice Presidents, each Council’s budget has been reviewed and the following information reflects the current working budget for the 2013-2014 League year. The budget was approved by the Board of Directors on April 8, 2013 and presented to the membership on April 17, 2013.
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Administrative Council
General Membership Meetings Administrative Council started the year off with a fun cocktail party for our September General Membership Meeting (GMM) and invited League children to the October GMM. In November, our supportive Sustainers Kirkland Clarkson, Bobbie Gribble, Amy Driscoll, Peggy Beale, Stacy Long and Jane Short graciously opened their homes to host our Cluster Meetings. In February, we held more Cluster Meetings, this time hosted by our community partners St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, Physicians for Peace, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia and Girls on the Run. Hosting meetings with our partners was a great way for our members to learn more about the missions and daily operations of some of the organizations we serve. Headquarters During the 2012-2013 League year, we moved out of the historic Taylor-Whittle House in Norfolk, where the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. was previously headquartered. Our belongings were placed into storage while the City of Norfolk conducts repairs to the structure. As updates on the status of construction are available, they will be shared with the membership. With Appreciation
The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the EVMS Office of Development and Norfolk Collegiate School for sharing their facilities with local community groups. The unfailing support by these institutions contributes to the success of our meetings and trainings. We thank these institutions for their roles assisting in our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Communications Council In 2012-2013, Communications Council sought to improve how we tell the story of the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. Member communications were consolidated into weekly updates highlighting both social events and important information, streamlining communications and reducing clutter. The website, www.jlnvb.org, and social media were key components to the League’s overall communication strategy. Use of Facebook continued to prove the most useful tool to create a dialogue with members and the general public alike and for sharing League news and photos as well as promoting community, recruiting, social and fundraising events. From September 2012 through April 2013, Facebook likes grew from 351 to 526, a 50% increase. In September, Communications Council produced a short video highlighting the training, leadership skills and community outreach offered by the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. The video featured the personal experiences of various League members and showed a community project in action. It is featured prominently on our website for all to view. These first-person accounts help to tell the true story of the people and the mission behind our great organization. The League’s TIDEings newsletter was revived this year and eight monthly issues were produced from September 2012 through April 2013. Each edition was beautiful and informative featuring timely articles, event photos, interesting tidbits, recipes from Junior League cookbooks and highlighting our outstanding sponsors and supporters throughout the year. In addition to the TIDEings publication, Communications Council also worked to produce artwork, flyers and invitations for various League events throughout the year.
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Community Council 2012-2013 was an exciting year for Community Council. We continued our work with our network of Community Partners and had the opportunity to become involved with some wonderful new organizations as well. JLNVB members worked over 1000 volunteer hours and provided a number of donations for our Hampton Roads community. We are so pleased to have had to opportunity to impact the lives of so many children and their families in Hampton Roads - and we had a fabulous time doing it! Operation School Supplies and Stuff the Bus We partner with WAVY TV 10’s Operation School Supplies annually to help collect items from various drop-off sites around Hampton Roads. In August, we participated again in the annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ events held at Office Depot locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. School supplies collected during these events are donated to local schools in Hampton Roads to be distributed to children in need. In 2011, over 25,000 supplies were collected for area students. Every child should be prepared to start the school year and we’re honored to be a part of this wonderful program each year. Mobile Kids in the Kitchen Our first Mobile Kids in the Kitchen event of the 20122013 League year kicked off during the month of October. Members worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Hampton Roads children in second through fifth grade. We had the opportunity to share healthy snacks, nutrition information, and fun exercises. Every child assisted in making trail mix and received a recipe card to take home. Ronald McDonald House The mission at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk (RMHC-Norfolk) is to provide a “home away from home” for families with children facing medical challenges and to also support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. This year we were honored to provide meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. During our 2012-2013 League year we provided 7 meals which include a protein, vegetable, starch and dessert from our League Cookbooks. YWCA Make & Give In October, members of the JLNVB made survival kits that included toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, soap, and deodorant for the YWCA Women in Crisis Domestic Violence Program. The program’s mission is to empower and educate survivors of domestic violence and the community through advocacy, intervention, and support. They serve victims of domestic violence and their children with their shelters, local 24-hour Women’s Helpline, legal advocacy services, support groups, and a wide array of other services, including crisis counseling, life skills, art therapy, transitional housing, volunteer placement, internships, children’s programming, and community education services.
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Park Place Child Life Center The Park Place Child Life Center has grown from an after school homework club to an arts and cultural center where children are made to feel safe and special. In order to support this great organization, JLNVB volunteers interacted with the children and assisted them with homework activities. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Park Place. A note from Park Place: “Thanks so much for your support. The Junior League has been so helpful this semester, we’re looking forward to continuing to build this relationship!” -Annie Blakey, Volunteer Coordinator Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia JLNVB continued to volunteer with the Foodbank through their backpack program. The backpack program is a nationally-recognized program that distributes nutritious food to children at the end of the school day, before weekends and/or school breaks. The members joined other community members, including a group of students from Norfolk Academy, and sorted through 4,365 pounds of food that, in turn, will feed 3,357 families in South Hampton Roads.
Little Hands, Big Difference
Our second annual Little Hands, Big Difference event helped show our children that community service can make a huge impact on those that are in need. The children had a fun morning of Thanksgivingthemed crafts and activities. Each child had the opportunity to help sort the Foodbank’s top ten needed “kid-friendly” food items. After joining in the Pembroke Mall Santa parade, the children delivered the donated food items to the Foodbank’s Mayflower Marathon.
Edmarc
In December, members wrapped gifts at the Edmarc Hospice for Children in Portsmouth. Edmarc provides home healthcare, support, and hospice for children with lifethreatening illnesses. While wrapping a variety of gifts members listened to Christmas music playing throughout the house.
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Junior Achievement
The JLNVB supported Junior Achievement by teaching Business Ethics to high school students to help them develop ethical decision-making skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. League members taught seven different lessons during the four-hour program on Saturday, November 17. It was a fulfilling day for members as we went through different scenarios with the students ranging from being stranded on an island to serving on the Board of Directors for a multi-national corporation. The students expressed why they would make certain decisions in a variety of situations and what process led them to their choices. League members were able to share personal experiences with ethical dilemmas they have faced in their personal and professional lives. We look forward to continuing to support these children as they develop the skills that will help them move into workforce with confidence.
ForKids
League members volunteered to assist ForKids staff with assembling Thanksgiving gift baskets at the Good Mojo Thrift Store location in Norfolk. After learning about the ForKids mission, their various charity partners and the people they seek to help, members set out to sort incoming food donations and check previously-assembled baskets for completeness. Dozens of additional gift baskets were then put together and an inventory of remaining pantry items was created so ForKids could make an updated request for donations on their website. Members also set up racks of donated children’s co ats and jackets for the ForKids Holiday Shop, and helped the Good Mojo staff organize current stock
Care by Community
Care by Community is a joint effort between Virginia Beach United Methodist Church (VBUMC) and Cook Elementary School. Care by Community (CBC) provides after school care for homeless and at-risk students. The program was created not only to help the students, but to also allow their parents to work later into the evenings. JLNVB members assisted students with their homework, school projects, reading, and any other academic needs. The students are also fed an after school snack and a hot meal before they leave. We look forward to working with CBC again next year.
American Red Cross
JLNVB hosted a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross at the Virginia Beach Pembroke Mall Donation Center. During the event, 81 units of life-saving blood were collected and transported to local hospitals. Each unit can treat up to three people; that’s 243 people that the JLNVB was able to directly impact! Lives were saved and sustained specifically because of the Junior League’s efforts.
Kids in the Kitchen
The 2013 Kids in the Kitchen event was held on Saturday, March 23, at Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach. The goal for the event was 250 participants but this year the program reached a total of 285 based on the number of bags distributed to the registered guests! Tables were set up in three main areas of the mall while Center Court was full of informative interactive booths including the Virginia Department of Health (WIC), Lions Club eye screening and Terra Firma – bringing healthy food literally back to its root. One area was designated for crafts and clubs. As usual, the Chef Hat station was a big hit! With Abrakadoodle Arts and Jack and Jill doing fun face painting, kids of all ages had an art project to
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make and take home with them. Another area was dedicated to the major food groups, with the addition of Whole Food’s ‘food art’ and Jim White’s version of ‘Ant’s on a log’, families saw all the yummy, interesting ways one can enjoy foods of all kinds. It was especially nice to be able to grab a cookie from Farm Fresh or Gluten Free Lucy’s Cookie as a sweet treat. The third leg of the mall included a great mix of vendors to show healthy lifestyle options. It included a reading area from Apple Tree Kids, Tae Kwon Do from World Champion TKD and personal trainer April Sethman showing how all those unhealthy foods affect your body. The Provisional class put together an awesome obstacle course for kids to do fun exercise, even indoors. They showed kids how to jump, crawl and climb to a more active life. The main attractions for the day were the demonstrations held hourly at the main stage. The kids enjoyed learning how to work out with Richard Harris and Jim White Fitness, dancing with Zumbatronics and the awesome display of strength, balance and focus from World Champion TKD. A great time was had by all in attendance!
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Finance Council The 2012-2013 League year was an exciting one for the Finance Council! We held our very first annual Touch-a-Truck fundraising event in April 2013, which was a huge success for the League. In addition, Finance Council was able to further strengthen the annual fund drive and establish more relationships and community partnerships. These efforts give us the ability to create more powerful and impactful change in Hampton Roads and provide training opportunities for our members.
Touch-a-Truck
On April 28, 2013, JLNVB hosted its first annual Touch-a-Truck event at Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach. Touch-a-Truck provides a hands-on learning experience for children to explore different types of trucks, heavy machinery, recreation vehicles, emergency vehicles and other types of transportation and equipment. The children and families in attendance were grinning ear-to-ear as they explored and climbed on over 25 different vehicles, enjoyed delicious food from local food trucks, browsed the product and service selections from over 20 vendors, took their turn in the racecar simulator, bounced away in the bounce house, played games offered throughout the day and chased after the chickens in the petting zoo on their way out! Over 1,500 tickets were sold to Touch-a-Truck. With the support of the community and our generous sponsors, JLNVB was able to raise over $25,000! As a first time fundraiser, this event was a huge success! Vendors, community members and League members are already looking forward to next year’s Touch-a-Truck.
-a-
1925 Society
This year, the name of our annual fund campaign changed from “Club 88” to the “1925 Society” and we are pleased to announce that we raised $24,000 for the League. We offer our sincerest gratitude to each and every person who contributed to the success of this year’s 1925 Society campaign. These financial gifts are an investment in our community and allow the JLNVB to continue to train new members and create projects that meet the needs right here in Hampton Roads.
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
We offer a special thank you to all of our exhibitors, vendors and contributors who made this event possible! 203rd Red Horse Squadron – Air National Guard 97.3 The Eagle Arbonne Astro DJ Entertainment Atlantic Heating & Cooling Bay Disposal & Recycling Bayside Concrete, Inc. Billy O’Connor Black and White Cabs Blockers Norfolk YMCA Bruster’s Ice Cream Brian Duncan Bricks 4 Kidz Bro’s Fish Tacos Center Stage Dance Company City of Norfolk – Police Department City of Norfolk – Sheriff’s Department City of Virginia Beach – Fire Department City of Virginia Beach – Public Schools City of Virginia Beach – Sheriff’s Department Classic Car Club of Hampton Roads DHM Photography Discount Plumbing Dominion Power East Coast Equipment Eastern Truck & Accessories EMR Ambulance, LLC For Every Home GTL Transport Company Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs Hunt Club Farm Initial Outfitters JASE Just Cupcakes Kelly’s Kids Kool Smiles Lia Sophia Mag Pie Hair Accessories Malbons BBQ Presents “The Flying Pig” Mark Jones Mass Mutual Norfolk Southern Oberweis Dairy Pollards Chicken Premier Books and Gifts Princess Anne Paving Corp. RentMyRacecar.com Short & Sweet Special Events Entertainment & Rentals Stella & Dot Sunshine Smiles Tropical Computer Tupperware TuTu Cute Cakes Virginia Department of Transportation Wave of Life Chiropractic Whole Foods Market – Virginia Beach World Champion Tae Kwon Do
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Whole Foods Partnership
In the spring, we began an exciting new partnership with Whole Foods Market – Virginia Beach to work with their weekly Healthy Kids Club. In just the first few months, the program raised over $350 for the League. Whole Foods is very excited about the partnership with JLNVB and has asked for the League’s continued support as its Healthy Kids Club programming expands. Whole Foods has also generously donated many items for membership meetings and for raffle prizes at events this year.
Cox Charities Grant
This year, JLNVB was the proud recipient of a $2,000 grant from Cox Charities Internal Employee Grants Program. A huge thank you goes to Cox employee Tracy Kubicz and JLNVB member Maryann McChesneyShaw for helping to secure this grant for the League!
Other Fundraising Activities
In addition to the great success we had with the inaugural Touch-a-Truck event, there were a variety of fundraisers throughout the 2012-2013 League year. We reinstated the “Piggy Bank” spare change collections at each GMM, raffled off prizes at GMMs, sold Eclipse Candles around the holiday season and Tupperware® in the Spring, volunteered as guides at East Beach Homearama, hosted restaurant nights at Ruby Tuesday on Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk and Salvatore’s Pizzeria in Virginia Beach, and hosted our annual Ocean Palm shopping event. These additional fundraisers raised over $2,000!
United Way Campaign
The JLNVB United Way Campaign for the 2012-2013 League year raised over $4,000 to create powerful, positive change in Hampton Roads. The Ways and Means Committee would like to thank all who designated JLNVB during their United Way giving for their generous support and commitment to the League. If you would like to support the JLNVB through the United Way Campaign, designate the JLNVB with EIN 54-6044966.
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The 1925 Society is an Annual Fund campaign and tribute to the anniversary of the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. These financial gifts are an investment in our community and allow the JLNVB to continue to train new members and create projects that meet the needs of our community.
Thank You to our current
1925 SOCIETY
A N NUA L FUND CONTRIBUTORS: WHITE DIAMONDS - $500 AND ABOVE KIRKLAND KELLY, HARRY LAIBSTAIN, JANE SHORT, MELISSA & BRIAN STEADMAN, BARBARA SUTELAN, SALVATORE’S PIZZERIA, TAMARA VUGRIN STRING OF PEARLS - $250 - $499 Laura & Craig Bangor, Donna Bortell, Maura Boswell, Ruth Elkins, Suzanne Franklin, Bobbie Gribble, Whitney Harding, Melissa Hamann, Angela Jones, Brooks Lively, Amanda Lloyd, Stacy Long, Jessica Martyn, Kristen O’Connor, Nicole Parnell, Margaret Shepherd Ray, Debbie Russell, Julie Stroh, Lynne Mallory Winter, Shannon Wright WHITE GLOVES - $100 - $249 AAAA Self Storage, Christy Alexander, Jessica Antel, Linda Bamforth, Margaret Beale, Joanne Berkley, Blair Bode, Sherida Bonton, Marian Gates Breeden, Peyton Cheely, Lori Collins, Katie Cullipher, Courtney Davio, Victoria Dietz, Eclipse Candles, Aisha Evans, Estate of Margurite Stark, Emily Filer, Jody Foley, Kathy Gadams, Sherry Gardner, Betsy Glover, Susan Goode, Shelly Gram, Debra Griggs, Jen Healey, Marissa Hershon, Homearama, Carla Howard, Hope Keys, Jennifer Kirby, Najwa Knox, Mary Louise Lehew, Alison Leithner, Kathleen Lujan, Jennifer McDonald, Jamie McFadden, Oriana McKinnon, Hanan Mitry, Gretchen Ostroff, Nicole Owens, Melissa Polizos, Allison Rachel, Lisa Raines, Martha Raiss, Adrianna Riviera, Carin Schneller-Carr, Chelsea Smith, Sharon S. Smith, Carol Temple , Elizabeth Upchurch, Virginia Van de Water, Kim Walker, Elizabeth P. Williams, Laren Wolcott, Edith Wombolt, Alexandra Yates
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS Wendy Auerbach, Mary Fooks, Ashley Gentry, Susan Goode, Karen Johnson, Virginia Lawrence, Saundra Gill Leaman, Julie McCollum, Gwendolyn Meredith, Phelecia Riddick-Debnam, Ruby Tuesday’s – Hampton Boulevard, Martha Smith, Sherri Stein, Lois Strode, Jamie Stump, Jean Thompson, Tupperware, Mary Turbeville, Gay Ware
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Membership Council This year, the Membership Council focused on member engagement, emphasizing the roles of advisors, leadership, and social opportunities to enrich members’ overall JLNVB experience. The League welcomed 39 members into the Provisional Class. Provisional Chair, Betsy Glover, presented an outstanding Provisional Course that included a retreat to introduce Provisionals to the JLNVB and its leadership, a team-building ropes course and informative Provisional Membership Meetings. The Provisional Class planned and executed a highly successful blood drive with the Red Cross, which yielded 81 units of blood donated to treat up to 243 people in local hospitals. The Provisionals also took on an Operation Homefront Easter basket project to boost the morale of military families facing multiple deployments and injury recovery. Provisionals made Easter baskets from donated items and delivered them to young children of United States service members stationed at Fort Eustis. In addition to these outstanding projects, the Provisionals eagerly participated in JLNVB community service opportunities and social events, serving the community while getting to know each other as well as Active and Sustaining JLNVB members. The Membership Council is excited to welcome members of this year’s Provisional class into Active membership in the JLNVB!
The 103 Active members of the JLNVB were very generous with their time in mentoring Provisional and Transitional members, volunteering in the community and taking on leadership roles within JLNVB Councils and Committees to help the JLNVB succeed in its mission of serving the community and the JLNVB membership. Placement Chair, Hanan Mitry, devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to overseeing the placement process and encouraging members to keep up with their obligations, stay engaged with the League and connect with their advisors and mentors. At Large Director, Ruth Elkins, recognized the outstanding achievements of JLNVB members, celebrated milestones, welcomed new babies, and reached out to members who needed a helping hand. The contributions of our members are the heart and soul of this organization and it was an inspiration to hear about their achievements in life outside of the League and the hard work and dedication each of them put into JLNVB projects.
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The Esprit Committee, led by Halley Maza and Nicole Owens, managed 10 Affinity Groups: Book Club, Coffee Club, Dinner Party Club, Doggie Dates, Ladies Who Lunch, Moms’ Club, Networking Club, Night Out Club, Crafting Club and Running Club. With the outstanding leadership of JLNVB Active and Provisional members who proposed new Affinity Groups and planned, hosted, and attended events for each group, there were abundant opportunities throughout the League year for members to make new friends and deepen existing friendships. The Recruitment Chair, Sarah Bell Van Orman, and Chair-elect, Nicole Pandaloglou, have been busy spreading the word about the wonderful opportunities the JLNVB provides and preparing to welcome next year’s Provisional Class! This year, the Recruiting and Esprit Committees instituted monthly informational and social happy hours at local establishments that support the JLNVB’s mission and integrated recruitment into community, social, and fundraising events. Members met these new recruitment opportunities with enthusiasm, inviting friends to attend events and learn about the League. The Nominating Committee, led by Najwa Knox, reviewed member applications, conducted interviews, and deliberated for hours to select JLNVB members to attend the Organizational Development Institute (ODI) and to serve as Officers and on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee presented a strong slate for the JLNVB’s future Officers and Board of Directors. The Active JLNVB membership voted to approve the slate during the March GMM. The Nominating Committee also sent four of the League’s strongest and most enthusiastic members to ODI, a bi-annual retreat sponsored by the Association of Junior Leagues International. This year, the members selected to represent JLNVB were Maura Boswell, Abbe Malone, Betsy Glover and Amanda Lloyd. ODI provides a rich opportunity for attendees to contribute to ODI discussions, exchange ideas with representatives of other Leagues and serve as ambassadors of the JLNVB. ODI attendees receive an intensive education on various aspects of Junior League organization and leadership and bring their experiences back for the benefit of the JLNVB. This year, the JLNVB welcomed 19 Active and 3 Sustaining members who transferred to the League from California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and from Charlottesville, Roanoke Valley, and Hampton Roads, Virginia. We look forward to the contributions of these Transfer members and the diversity of experiences they bring to the JLNVB. Our 238 Sustainers are the foundation of the JLNVB. They support the League financially and through their participation in our activities and member recruitment efforts. Sustaining members serve as advisors to JLNVB Councils and Committees and continually provide valuable guidance to our leaders and members. Sustainers provide continuity and growth for the JLNVB and a number of Sustainers are involved with charitable endeavors in the community beyond the
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Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
JLNVB, perpetuating the League’s tradition of hard work and excellent results. Congratulations to our newest JLNVB Sustainers!
JLNVB In The News JLNVB members were popping up everywhere in 2012-2013. After accepting the grant from Cox Charities, Laura Bangor appeared on Cox Connections to talk about the Junior League. Several JLNVB members appeared as the live studio audience on The Hampton Roads Show on three separate occasions to promote the Blood Drive, Kids in the Kitchen, and Touch-a-Truck events. As part of their promotion of Touch-a-Truck, Shannon Wright and Amanda Lloyd also appeared on Norfolk Perspectives and WVEC’s Dialogue program and Laura Bangor and Shannon Wright were featured in a 30-minute radio interview on Max Media’s community program.
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Message from Your 2013-2014 President As I enter my thirteenth year of membership in the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc., I find myself reflecting on the organization we were then and the one we are today. I have seen us do what so many organizations cannot; we are able to weather economic difficulties, changing dynamics within our membership, and new goals and expectations for service organizations. We can do this because the Junior League has the ability to take hard looks at itself, assess where the challenges lie, and take proactive steps to face and conquer those challenges. This strength made us an organization that can greatly impact those issues we address, which gives us continuous relevance and longevity. The women who make up this organization come to us as strong, idealistic, and passionate individuals who want to make a difference in their communities and find like-minded women with whom they can engage. Like no other organization, the Junior League takes these wonderful women and, through our mission of developing the potential of women, helps to educate them in so many different areas. They learn to become fundraisers, event planners, recruiters, sales women, bookkeepers, negotiators, community planners‌leaders. The JLNVB creates some of the greatest community leaders that Hampton Roads has to offer. So, when it is time to do the hard work internally, to face the challenges, these strong, proactive women are not held back by fear of change. This past year, we faced the challenge of embarking on a new fundraiser and continuing to make a measurable impact on the lives of women and children in our community with an Active membership body that was considerably smaller than it was five years ago. As always, our members rose to the challenge and excelled with the usual League flair and success. We had a fabulous year and we want to continue to build on it. We want to continuously grow our programs, our fundraising, our community involvement, and our League. But, in order to do so, we must do something else that we excel at doing, an organizational review. We must periodically refocus and return to the basics. What are the basics? Besides evaluating and building on our successes, we must also re-center our focus on our governance. We must review and update our guiding document, the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures. We must assess our impact, our operations, the interests of our members, the needs of our community, etc. and, in turn, evaluate and update our
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strategic, operational, and tactical plans. And, what will make us even stronger still is that, through our work on the basics, we will be fulfilling an important component of our mission – “developing the potential of women.” We will be training our members to be leaders by teaching them and engaging them in an additional dimension to leading an organization that can make an impact in the community. In order to continue to grow, we must ensure the strength of the foundation of our League while we continue to fulfill all the components of our mission – promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our communities. We must be intentional about our growth. As Jeremie Kubicek wrote, “Being intentional about growth always starts with the leader, yet, it always occurs through the team.” We have the best team in Hampton Roads; we are a team of community leaders. I have no doubt that this team can continue to face the challenges, strengthen the League, and help us grow. My hope for this year is to lead the JLNVB not only in a continuation of the successes of 2012-2013, but also in ensuring the long term strength and sustainability of our League. I would like to reach this point next year knowing that, as our League moves forward, we have laid the ground work for continued growth and success with our updated B,P&P, our operational plans, with expanded fundraisers, with a newly affirmed signature focus, and with an energized, enthusiastic, passionate, and welltrained membership. I want the JLNVB to be able to continue doing what it does best, serving our Hampton Roads community through our volunteer work and by providing trained community leaders who will be our legacy for decades. And, of course, I want us to have lots of fun and make many memories while doing it! I am so excited to lead this team and I hope you will join me in looking forward to our next exciting and impactful year! Sincerely,
Laura Bangor 2013-2014 President Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
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Meet the 2013-2014 JLNVB Board of Directors
Laura Bangor Bobbie Gribble Nicole Parnell Barrett Hannon Whitney Harding Abbe Malone Dena Liston Maura Boswell Hanan Mitry Betsy Glover Katie Cullipher Jennifer Swets Kristen O’Connor Najwa Knox Victoria Dietz
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President President-Elect Treasurer Treasurer-Elect Administrative Vice President Community Vice President Communications Vice President Fund Development Vice President Membership Vice President At-Large Director Nominating Chair Parliamentarian Ways and Means Director Membership Initiatives Director Research and Development Director
Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
Troutman Sanders is proud to support
the Junior League’s Touch-a-Truck event
Kristen O’Connor
757.687.7574
kristen.oconnor@troutmansanders.com
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Awards and Honors Provisional of the Year - Tara Reel Tara was chosen by her fellow members of the Provisional Class as Provisional of the Year for all of her hard work and dedication to not only the Provisional Class, but the League as a whole. She spearheaded the Done-in-a-Day Project that was completed in March and went above and beyond everyone’s expectations for the project. She helped organize the stuffing of over 75 Easter baskets for Operation Homefront that benefited military children in need at Ft. Eustis. Not only were we able to stuff and wrap all of the baskets, but she was even able to secure a bus from HRT that donated their time to take many members of the Provisional Class to deliver the baskets in person. The cherry on top was of course was when Tara dressed as the Easter Bunny to help deliver the baskets. While being so involved with everything JLNVB, she completed community ours above and beyond what was asked of her. Her enthusiasm for the League and all of our community projects has been contagious and we are lucky to have her as a member. Outstanding Provisional - Amanda Lloyd Amanda was chosen by the Provisional Advisors as 2012-2013 Outstanding Provisional. Amanda wasted no time jumping into leadership roles this year. In October, she assisted in organizing the Provisional Tailgate for the W&M game. She was placed on the fundraiser event committee and as planning began for our first annual Toucha-Truck, she quickly accepted the position to chair the fundraiser. She and her team organized a very successful event with more than 25 vehicles and multiple vendors. We sold over 1,500 tickets and raised over $25,000 for our organization. Amanda was also selected to attend ODI in Dallas, TX this past February and was able to bring back some fresh ideas from her sessions on fund development, which also aided in the success of Touch-a-Truck. Next year, Amanda will be serving as Provisional Recruitment Chair-elect and will be assisting Nicole Pandeloglou in planning the recruitment events for potential new members. Outstanding Committee Member – Whitney Harding Whitney made a tremendous contribution serving on the Finance Council this year. While she was willing to take on any task presented to her, and volunteered for several others, most notably Whitney established JLNVB’s new relationship with Whole Foods. This new community partner presents great opportunity for the League in future years – both as a sponsor and a means for reaching the children in our community. Outstanding Board Member – Katie Cullipher Katie demonstrated enormous commitment to the League in her position as Communications Vice President this year. She produced a compelling video highlighting our members and community outreach efforts and spent countless hours creating and designing League materials to help make our events, such as Kids in the Kitchen and Touch-a-Truck, successful. Throughout the year, Katie kept the website up-to-date with the latest news, events and pictures of League happenings. Her
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creativity, dedication and hard work have helped establish fabulous and professional branding of the League and our events. Sustainer of the Year – Debbie Russell This year was full of the opportunities and challenges associated with change and growth. Throughout it all, Debbie Russell offered thoughtful guidance and insightful discussion. Debbie provided great support for the Board and served as a trusted resource sharing her experiences and ideas - all reflective of her love and commitment to the League. League Member of the Year – Kristen O’Connor Kristen stepped into a role this year full of demands and high expectations and excelled! Since coming into this role in July, Kristen played significant roles in Annual Fund/1925 Society, sponsorships for the League and Touch-a-Truck. Kristen spent numerous hours on calls, emails, meetings and letters in an effort to establish and rebuild League sponsorships and partners to support the League for years to come. As a demonstration of her commitment to continuing the successes from this year, Kristen has graciously agreed to remain in her role for the upcoming year to keep this momentum going! Community Impact Award – Carin Schneller-Carr Kids in the Kitchen is a highly anticipated event each year and this year was no exception. Building on the successes from the past, Carin put together the biggest KIK on record with over 300 children participating. This event is essential to our signature issue, Healthy Kids Initiative, and Carin put her heart and efforts into making this a success! The coordination with Pembroke Mall, organization within her committee, raffle donations and community participation demonstrated the hours of work Carin dedicated to this year’s event. Outstanding Committee Member – Betsy Glover As Provisional Chair, Betsy has created a meaningful and successful experience for this year’s Provisional Class. Getting a new class of energetic and dedicated women integrated into the JLNVB is a necessity to sustaining the success of the League. The provisional experience is key to setting a strong foundation for members’ League experience and aiding in future recruitment. Thanks to all of the efforts of Betsy this year, we are lucky to have an outstanding class of provisionals becoming active members this month. League Light Award – Tamara Vugrin Despite the miles between Tamara and our GMMs, she has made an enormous impact on the League this year and sets an example of excellence and dedication. Tamara is currently living in Colorado and has completed over 26 hours of community service – expanding the JLNVB’s community reach! Her commitment to maintaining active status through continued involvement, volunteer hours and donations is an inspirational example for all members. We are grateful and proud to have Tamara as a JLNVB member.
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2012 - 2013 President’s Awards President’s Board Member Achievement Award - Laura Bangor Traditionally, the role of the President-Elect is to shadow the President, learning and planning for her year as President. This year, while doing that, Laura was front and center when needed. She willingly volunteered to step in wherever assistance was required. She was heavily involved with Little Hands, Big Difference, which is one of my favorite events and truly representative of why I continue to be involved with the Junior League. In a busy year for the Finance Council, we decided to concentrate on applying for grant funds. Rather than burden the members of the Finance Council with an additional new project, Laura took on the task of writing a number of grant proposals which, I am sure, will pay dividends in the future and lay the foundation for future financial gain. At some point this year she has stepped in to assist every Council in some way. Not only has she been an asset to the League, but also to me. Laura has been a true support for me, not just in the work of the League, but she has also been my confidant and my friend and has truly helped to make this year a memorable one. President’s Provisional Achievement Award - Alison Leithner As we all know, the Provisional year is a busy one and can seem overwhelming at times. Each year Provisionals not only work to learn about the Junior League and complete their volunteer commitments, but also serve on one of our JLNVB committees. This year, Alison served on the Kids in the Kitchen committee. When it was learned that the current KIK Chair-Elect would have to move at the end of the year, Alison stepped in to work closely with the Chair and learn the role for the upcoming year. This is a significant undertaking for any member, but especially for our newest members. Alison represents the future of our League and is a great example of the spirit of voluntarism that is at our core. President’s Sustainer Achievement Award - Bobbie Gribble Bobbie has truly been an asset to the League this year. Not only did she serve as Passion Into Action Co-Chair and work to plan and host some great PIA events, but she also stepped in to help support us in a year when we were embarking on significant changes in fundraising. She helped us with our Annual Fund drive, got sponsors, and even helped to secure trucks for our Touch-a-Truck event. In addition to all of this, she has planned and is hosting our upcoming Sustainer Social. As she has done for many years, Bobbie went above and beyond what we ask of our Sustainers in support of the JLNVB. President’s Chair Achievement Award - Hanan Mitry Placement is always a challenging position. There is no “off time” for anyone working on Membership, but especially the Placement Chair. Hanan met all of the challenges of her role this year, but she did a particularly outstanding job with our Placement process. She oversaw a very efficient and effective process that laid out placements for over 100 members in a matter of five hours. And, she had all of the Chairs, Advisors,
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Mentors, and double placements confirmed by the beginning of May. This is a difficult process, at best, and Hanan has made it appear seamless. President’s Community Partner of the Year Award - Pembroke Mall Each year, the JLNVB works with a number of Community Partners. However, one stands out as the partner without whom some of our best community events would not be possible. Pembroke Mall has supported the League by hosting our Little Hands, Big Difference event, our annual blood drive, and Kids in the Kitchen. Not only are they gracious hosts, but they help us with set-up and planning and even help to secure event vendors and donations. They are truly a part of the success of the League and we are so happy to count them among our supporters.
The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. would like to offer our sincerest thanks to Linda Moyer for her hard work and dedication in support of our mission. Without you, Linda, we would never be able to accomplish all we do. Thank you!
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